Aliwagwag Falls is the first-ever waterfall I fell in love with. Well, I guess it was only natural since it was the first-ever waterfall I knew. I lived in Cateel during the first five years of my life and this enchanting jewel is no stranger to the locals there. In fact, it seemed like an ordinary sight to most people except me. Not that it’s nothing special to the locals. The people there actually revere this stunning natural wonder. It’s like one of their priceless possessions, their daily inspiration, and a source of great pride.
I first had a glimpse of Aliwagwag Falls 23 years ago when my gramps died and I had to go back home to Cateel from North Cotabato to see him one last time. The fam spent a day here to celebrate our gramps and his meaningful life after he was buried. It was my first encounter with this jewel as far as my memory serves me but my mom swore that I saw it years before. I could still remember how ecstatic I was to be bathing in its cold waters. Images of my laughter in between gritted teeth keep flooding my mind whenever I think about that day. It will always be one of the memories where I was at my happiest.
Aliwagwag Falls was not really easy to get to back in the day. Back when using the route in Compostela Valley in going to Davao City was still unheard of. From where we live in Brgy. San Antonio, going to Aliwagwag Falls would take a painstaking 2-3 hours traveling on the bumpiest of roads. We could take a shortcut via the Cateel River by riding a pump boat in Brgy. Baybay to Cateel proper but that was a risk most of the elders didn’t wanna take, especially when traveling with kids, as the water was most of the time unfriendly.
Today, Aliwagwag Falls is just a 3-hour journey from Davao City. A huge difference to the once 15 hours along the most precarious and treacherous roads. The people who haven’t experienced the thrill and fear of traveling via Compostela Valley back in the day will never understand how relieving to see this waterfall after spending hours on the road seeing only trees and cliffs. It always felt great to witness its grandeur that it was the only thing I look forward to during those seemingly endless journeys. It would also be the cause of my grief whenever I would leave home without the assurance of being able to return soon.
Just like the other places in Cateel that I consider our (me and my cousins) playground, Aliwagwag Falls is like one of my treasured secrets. I was happy to keep it to myself. I would probably tell stories about it but I would have never told anyone of its whereabouts. But we now live in the digital age that keeping such a stunner hidden is impossible. So here I am, sharing with you one of the places that I love and hoping you love it the same or even more.
How To Go To Aliwagwag Falls
From Manila – Fly to Davao City. From the Davao City Airport, hire a taxi and go to Ecoland Terminal. Ride a bus or a van going to Cateel. Alight in Aliwagwag Falls EcoPark (3 Hrs | P350).
Note: Make sure the bus or van will be using the route via Compostela Valley, not Mati.
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Useful Tips & Other Travel Info
- Going to Aliwagwag Falls is most convenient when you have your own vehicle. There is no public transpo that regularly ply the route from the falls to the town proper. Except for the passenger vans that pass by occasionally, your other option is to charter a tricycle to and from the town proper. This could set you back up to P300.
- There is a set of eateries outside the EcoPark so food and beverages are not going to be a problem. Bringing your own food and drinks is also an option.
- The entrance fee to the falls is P100/person. Tables and chairs are available for rental for P100-P200.
- The EcoPark has its own tourist inn that offers both airconditioned and non-airconditioned rooms. Reservation is not necessary unless during peak season.
- The best time to go for a visit is during the months with dominant rains. In Cateel, rainy months are from November to May.
- There is no mobile signal in the area. If there is, services may be limited to call and text messaging.
- The roads to and from the falls are already fixed so you can expect no difficulty in getting there.
- Exploring Cateel and Baganga is best started in Aliwagwag Falls if you plan to head to Mati after. Otherwise, start with the spots in Baganga.
- Paying the entrance fee is not necessary if you don’t intend to explore the EcoPark.
- The EcoPark has a zipline ride adventure available for P200/person.
Budgeting Essentials
| Entrance Fee | Adult - P100 Senior - P75 Children (10-14 yrs) - P50 Children (Below 10) - P25 |
| Zipline Ride | Non-Cateel Residents - P200 Cateel Residents - P150 |
| Tourist Inn Rates | Non-AC Group Room (6-10Pax)- P3000 Small Room (1-2Pax) - P600 AC Rooms Family Rooms - P1500 Twogether - P1000 Extra Bed - P200 each |
Where To Stay Near Aliwagwag Falls
Obrero Suites – Palma Gil Street, Obrero, Poblacion, Davao City
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Jotel Inn – 434 E. Quirino Avenue, Poblacion, Davao City
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Eden Nature Park and Resort – Bo. Eden, Toril, Davao City
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So many places in the world but only a few will make you feel home. This precious jewel is definitely home in all its chaos and beauty. Unassuming and unapologetic yet it has everything one could ask for.
There you have it lovelies! I hope this stunning waterfall will serve as your starting point in discovering all the beautiful things that the Davao Eastern Coasts have been so privy all these times. Until next time. Ciao!
